Patient's question:
Diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome, have been taking traditional Chinese medicine, haven't had a menstrual period for over a month, and an ultrasound examination shows that polycystic ovaries still exist.Doctor's answer:
First, diagnosing polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) requires both ultrasound findings and symptoms, such as irregular menstruation, often anovulation, long and irregular menstrual cycles, as well as hormone tests. The hormone test should be conducted on the second day of menstruation, and only the six gynecological hormones need to be checked.Personally, I don’t think traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is effective in diagnosing PCOS. First, TCM lacks a systematic theory regarding menstruation—it doesn’t provide detailed explanations about why women menstruate or the mechanisms that regulate menstruation, making it impossible to accurately diagnose and treat based on TCM principles. Second, the diagnostic criteria and ultrasound findings for PCOS are based on Western medicine; TCM does not recognize this condition, meaning traditional Chinese theory lacks understanding of it.
As for ovarian cysts, they are often physiological in nature. That is, cysts that appear at certain points in the menstrual cycle may disappear in the next cycle, and only persistent cysts are significant. It is essential to seek diagnosis and treatment at a formal hospital. The hospitals I know include: Changchun Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Jilin University China-Japan Friendship Hospital, and Changchun People’s Hospital.